Mike's 60th Birthday!!! (con't)

For some reason, I couldn't post all of the memories of Mike on one page. Here are the rest...


My recent memories have been eating dinner with you guys on Sundays and playing Scrabble afterwards. I really enjoy that and seeing the unique words he (Mike) comes up with. I believe inside his quietness is much brilliance and I seriously mean that. Love, Steve Lang

My super most favorite memorable time with Mike is when we were playing Scrabble, and he took like 10 minutes trying to find a word other than "panty" with his letters. LOL (Laugh out loud) he is SO funny. Alexis Lang

I was thinking about my memories of Uncle Mike and most of them were when I was really young, so I just remember a few random things:
-To me, he was always the "movie" guy! I used to think he watched every movie made!
-I remember his voice was very distinct and he always had a great laugh that would make everyone else laugh!
-And I always remember Uncle Mike saying, "Wipe out"....just one of those things that stuck with me!
Sorry it isn't much...hope it was helpful! Cori Carpenter

Here's one thing I remember. (Out of many) When we all lived in Antioch, Mike was a star on the High School football team. We were all so proud to go to the games and cheer for him. I believe his dad was proudest of all--his cheer was "C'mon, Mikey-baby". Funny because Mike was no baby and very big. He was his dad's baby, though, and will always be. Aunt Marj

When I think about Mike, I think about his compassion and willingness to help someone in need. At the beginning of finals week in December of my sophomore year at college, I got strept throat. I was sick and miserable and wanted to go home. After Mike got off work at 5:00 p.m. on that Monday he came to the dorm, picked me up and drove me the 5 hours to Blanding. He turned around and drove back to Provo so he could be at work on Tuesday. Wow. That wouldn't be the last time he would make a huge sacrifice to help me. And it's always been without being judgmental. Thanks Mike for who you are. I love you. Marjorie Jones

About 1958 Mike and I were both Cub Scouts riding on a bus going who knows where. Some huge 11 year old bully stole a piece of obsidian rock that I had collected at the outing. Mike saw my distress and used his lunch money (I think it was a quarter) to buy my rock back. I still have that rock. That wasn't the only thing. Later when we were older, we were at the Blanding pool having fun and, again, some bully snuck up behind me and stole my inner tube or something like that. By that time Mike had gotten considerably larger. He came up behind this bully and "persuaded" him to return the inner tube, which he seemed happy to do. How I love that guy! My brother! The tears are flowing as I write this. Thanks for watching out for this wonderful person! Kirk Christensen

I loved hanging out with Uncle Mike at the Cliff Palace Motel. Also, it was sure fun when he would come over to our house and watch those great Kung Fu and Godzilla movies. I can still see him sitting on our couch and I can still hear him laughing. Great times. Steve Christensen

Mike is idyllic to me because he was recruited by Cal Berkley to play football. I appreciate his gentle demeanor, his quiet expression of love and appreciation to Sidney, and his way with Alexis. I am happy to call Mike my Son-in-Law. Dale Lang

Hey there, I just wanted to put in my 2 cents here from Armenia. Things are going great with me on my mission… Well I want to now wish Uncle Mike a happy birthday, the time of me growing up and getting busy in my teenage life changed our relationship quite a bit but I don’t think I ever told you Uncle Mike how much I appreciate you. Growing up were my favorite uncle I just couldn’t say it really because I didn’t want the rest to get jealous. You taught me a lot of things that I don’t think you realize and I will remember those things forever, you taught me 1) not to smoke, we were at granny's and we were fixing something and you told me that. 2nd thing that I will mention is how to drive when your 13 and how to make it okay and not against the rules even when an old lady follows you clear out the 4th reservoir to say I was holding up traffic. I’m over here in Armenia and life is good I come home the first of July so if you are around I’d be sure happy to see you and show you my new me! I want you to have a good birthday and hope all is well. Take care. With more love than you know or ever said. Elder (Kevin) Christensen

Some of my favorite times with Uncle Mike is when he would come to our house and watch all those old movies with my dad. They would watch some of the dumbest shows I have ever seen and he would laugh and laugh. His laugh would always make me laugh too, it was so contagious. I also remember that he would let me wear his long leather coat and he would take me to drive his red car. Thanks Uncle Mike for all the fun times. Love ya. Lissa Diaz

Sidney’s memories with Mike…
1. I remember the first time I saw him. Mike walked into the Gospel Doctrine class I was teaching. For some reason, I felt like I was looking through a telescope. I could only see him!
2. I loved our Sunday evenings when were dating. I would go over to Mike’s home and we’d each sit in a winged back chair, he’d rub my feet, and we would talk and talk and talk (until 10:00pm which was our curfew). Those evenings were some of the best times of our courtship!
3. Our wedding day - at the luncheon - when I realized for the first time that Mike had a sense of humor. He said looked at his watch and said to those gathered, “Well, Sidney and I have been married for about three hours now and I just want to report that we are still very happily married!” Honestly, I’d never heard him say a funny thing until then!
4. Our trip to Alaska!!! What an adventure! We had so much fun exploring new country and seeing new things. Plus, I spent 29 days having Mike all to myself!
5. FHE’s in the summer when we go up Millcreek Canyon to ‘our spot’, build a fire, have dinner, read scriptures, and enjoy the cooler weather!
6. Last summer when we went to the pool and Mike and Alexis jumped off the high dive continuously for about two hours!
7. Mike’s cooking concoctions… (I usually never eat them!)
8. Mike’s scrunching eyes!!!

Happy Birthday Sweetheart! I love you!!!

Mike's 60th Birthday!!!

Today is Mike's Birthday!!!

While it wasn’t feasible to have family and friends all to come to Salt Lake to celebrate this day, I thought it would be fun to have them write me a quick memory about you - brother Mike, Uncle Mike, brother-in-law Mike, etc. I hope you enjoy these tributes!

When Mike was a little feller, not quite three years, we were living in College Park, Maryland. Mike and I were out in our yard having a nature moment watching a ‘lady bug’. Quite unexpectedly the bug spread her wings and took off. It startled Mike and he said, “Oh, it opened its mouth.” (Only being young he said, ‘mouf’.) One would have to watch a lady bug take off to know why he said this. I’ve remembered this so long because I think of it every time I see a lady bug. Caroline Christensen

Lou, remember when we went to 18 movies in one day--on a Thanksgiving Day? Okay, that's an exaggeration. But it was a lot. It was fun. And I don't know if you remember this but I just thought about this recently--and had forgotten--you let me steer and shift the Bomb while you were driving. Yes! It wouldn't surprise me if, around the same time that you let me "drive". Mungo Jerry was singing "In the Summertime." That's how long ago it was. Have a great birthday, though. Much Love, Suzanne Christensen

I can't remember anything humorous, but Mike and I used to do marathon video movie watching on some Saturdays. We'd rent 2-4 sci-fi or horror flicks and watch themall afternoon and evening which was fun. Or, in the early 1980's we would stay up late and watch the Friday Night Rock videos. Wayne Nesmith

Memory with Jeff Christensen… One time we all went to the Lake (Lake Powell) to fish and Mike went with us. Mike had just bought some new, expensive sunglasses and was wearing them. I know when this happened that it was kind of dark. Anyway, when we got to the marina, Jeff wanted to try on Mike's sunglasses and of course Mike let him. Then apparently Jeff wanted to see what the fish looked like using Mike's glasses so he leaned over and looked over the rail and plop, into the lake they went! Ugh! As a mother I was so mad at him, but Mike just brushed off like...hmm things happen. He was always so good with the kids and they love him.

As for Brandon, it's the two handed peace sign! If ever Mike is mentioned, up goes both hands doing the peace signs with a "Hi, Mike!" Mike always makes it a point to say, "Hi, Brandon!" Before there was Sidney, Brandon used to sit by Mike. A little too close for his mother's liking, but again Mike just put up with it and swore that it was OK! Thanks, Mike!

What I enjoy the most is to have Mike (and now Sidney) come over and watch the weirdest movies ever. Most people don’t even know the movies Mike and Scot watch exist (except maybe Kirk)! Not only had I not even heard of them, they can quote the whole movie, AND know the actors by name! Crazy, but way entertaining! Mike, you mean a lot to me and my family. Such fun times when Uncle Mike is here. Great coat, suspenders, gloves (that the kids would always use, wear, and ruin), laughs, visits, etc. We think you’re great! Happy 60th (Wow!) Birthday! Julene Christensen

Mike is a marvelous man and a wonderful husband to our daughter! He is a quiet gentle giant. His willingness to help with anything is amazing. Also amazing is his knowledge of the Gospel and the way he honors his Priesthood. He treats Sidney with such consideration, respect, and kindness, which we really appreciate. He is very respectful of our entire family. We particularity notice the honor, concern, and respect he has for his own mother and father. They have taught him well. We love Mike and are very excited to have him in our family and as our son-in-law. Kathryn Lang

The Tomb of the Devils

Mike finished this novel and published it a couple of years ago. While it hasn't become a bestseller... yet, I am pleased to report that he sold another copy on May 12th. Sales have slowed WAY down, but at least someone, once in a while, desires to purchase the novel! Most importantly, I am EXTREMELY PROUD of Mike for finishing this novel and having it published. Now, we just need to get novel #2, Battles Long Ago, in written form from inside his brain!

P.S. The first time Mike and I went out, he told me that he'd written a novel. Frankly, I was unimpressed. But now, after reading 230,000 words of this novel, I am COMPLETELY impressed! Just writing a 20 page paper was enough for me!!!

http://www.amazon.com/Tomb-Devils-Michael-D-Christensen/dp/1419619209/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1211648743&sr=8-1

Oh, by the way, if you want to read Mike's novel, go to your local library and request that the library purchase a copy of the book. (They have forms to fill out and it's quite easy!) This way, you don't need to purchase it, but the library will do so, and then you can check it out! I've done it before and it works great!!! I love the library system! We definitely get our tax dollars worth!

The ANT Quilt

I received an email this morning from good friend Brenda Christiansen. She and her sister Bethany are the ones who machine quilt the tops of the quilts I piece together. Bethany just finished this quilt last evening. It looks DARLING!!! I am so excited to get it back and finish it up. It will be on display in our home, as soon it is completed!

BBQ Season has returned!

One of the things Mike & I enjoy doing is BBQing in the summertime. This evening, for FHE, we invited our neighbor Vicki Allen over for dinner. We BBQ'd hotdogs and chicken. I made a potato salad and Vicki made a jello salad.

We had cake for dessert. We ate and talked until the sun had set and we could hardly make out each other's faces! This is one of the great benefits of nice weather!!!

The Hummers have returned!!!

This evening I was watching television and I saw my first hummingbird at the feeder. I was so excited, except for one problem, there was nothing in the feeder! I've been waiting until I saw one before I filled the feeder. I quickly arose and made up a batch of hummer juice and put it in! While out there, I decided to take a few pictures of this years 'garden'.






We decided to plant onions. Don't ask me why, but we needed something against the side of our wall that might take the heat better. Tomatoes don't do that well during the hot time of the year.



We also have planted the tomatoes from seed.


Lettuce from seed




Parsley and Basil (I had so much fun last year using the herbs in our meals!)



And best of all, I planted pansies in the planter boxes Mike made for me a couple of years ago.

I LOVE SPRING!!!

So Long, Farewell

Well, we sold my car - or 'the truck' as Mike calls it - this evening! I figure it would be a good first post on the blog to air my feelings!!! The big question is, WHY???

Well, here's the story... First off, don't ever accept a date with your husband to go and look at new cars! (Really it is okay!) Mike and I went on a date to look at cars on Monday, because we have needed on for SO LONG! His car is older, hasn't been running well, and definitely needed to be replaced. After three car lots, we found the one we wanted, a Ford Focus (We must be Christensen's... we can only by FORDS!) Several hours later, we drove off the lot with a new car. We are now a family with THREE cars!

Tuesday afternoon... we are getting ready to take Mike's car to the junkyard (we thought that would be the easiest way to sell his car because it is a 1991 Ford Escort, with lots of work arounds, but with a great engine. Mike decides to take a condensator off his car, that he's had on it for several years. As he drives to the junkyard, he realizes that the reason his car hasn't been running well the past year is because of the condensator. Bottomline - we can't see a reason to turn the car in... It's a great car to get Mike back and forth to work. Now, the big question, WHAT DO WE DO???!!!???

Reason held that my car was the best one to go. It is a gas hog and honestly, at prices these days, we're looking at $70-80 to fill the tank. As I told Mike,

"I can just see that car sitting in the driveway. I'm not going to be
driving it. I'll drive your car or the new car before I'll drive the
Explorer (better gas mileage!)"

So, it was my decision to sell the Explorer. I listed it on ksl.com cars on Wednesday and the first person that called bought it. (I guess it was meant to be!!!) So, it is time to bid this car a fond farewell... Mike and I have had a lot of great memories in this car - our trip to Alaska being our favorite. The Explorer was 'home' for us during that trip. We've also driven to California, Blanding, and had other fun memories. Now, we need to create NEW memories in our Focus... which, being the planner I am, a BEACH vacation is now in the works. I'm so excited!!!

The Beginning...

Today is a first for me, I'm joining the world of blogging! Now, I just have to figure out what to write!